Pope Francis names Providence bishop new Archbishop of Boston, OMalley to retire – Boston News, Weather, Sports [Video]

BOSTON (WHDH) – After more than 20 years at the helm of the Boston Archdiocese, Cardinal Seán O’Malley is retiring as archbishop.

The move was not unexpected: O’Malley turned 80 years old in June, the mandatory retirement age for cardinals set by the Catholic Church.

Many are already reflecting on O’Malley’s legacy as archbishop, with some referring to it as a very “healing” time.

“It’s a mixed reaction, in one sense,” said Matthew Schmalz, a professor in the College of the Holy Cross’ department of religious studies. “I think many Bostonians are very grateful for the healing that he brought to the diocese. And so, it’ll be sad to lose him. On the other hand, this’ll bring in someone new.”

O’Malley took over the diocese in the aftermath of the clergy abuse scandal that led to the resignation of his predecessor, Cardinal Bernard Law. He is considered a close personal …